March 28, 2014

Handmade Art Journey

Our anniversary is right around the corner. It all started in 1991 - 23 years ago. So many friends met and made, hundreds of art workshops taught, buildings bought and sold, thousands of ideas tossed around - some really good - some not so much . Who knew that we would end up in 2014 with our own line of rubber stamps, stencils, inks, collage sheets, and embellishments that we ship all over the world? Or that we would have the store open on Saturday only? Or that a paper bowl class taught at Washington University would be such a big hit? Or that a few summers ago we would go on the road and travel 3500 miles around the country seeing the sights and teaching workshops? So many stories to tell. One thing I know for sure - you can't predict the future!

Our Etsy Shop

About the Red Lead store in St. Louis, Mo.

What they are saying about us!

The ever-evolving brainchild of two sisters, Red Lead Paperworks is a modern crafter's dream come true. If reams of handmade paper and dozens of artistic rubber stamps aren't enough to set one's creative energy aflame, the sisters have decorated their shop with paper crafts designed to inspire. Far more than a typical scrap-booking supply store, Red Lead sells trinkets, patina jewelry and charms and offers workshops on everything from jewelry-making to paper arts and mixed media. The sisters also manufacture their own line of vintage-style rubber stamps. The shop was built around a love of "modern vintage"—the pretty, elegant vintage—before vintage became cool. Some of the best-selling items in the store are vintage rubber stamps that are perfectly sized to create artist trading cards—a small card artists create and swap with each other as a social hobby.
Hours: Sat. 10a.m. - 5p.m.
Founding Date: 1991
Products: Papers, rubber stamps, trinkets, jewelry
What's your most popular item?: Exclusive rubber stamps
Any tips for first-time crafters?: "Don't be afraid to jump into a small project," says owner Christine Schwartz.

Located in the historic Webster Groves neighborhood of St. Louis, Chris Schwartz and her sister (and best friend) Sharon Wisely are the co-owners of Red Lead. They have everything your mixed-media heart desires: from papers to stamps, trinkets, brads, buttons, and charms, fabric, ribbons and art supplies!

A blog post from a good friend and creative Art Sister

I love Red Lead PaperWorks and wanted to share this gem of a store with you
During my most recent visit, Chris was in the studio teaching visitors to create vintage-style Valentine cards! There was freshly brewed Starbucks, and Sharon's famous homemade banana-walnut-chocolate cookies! Yum! The store itself is a visual delight...like a lovely collage in itself! Besides all these visual delights, Chris and Sharon frequently offer creative workshops, too.
My favorite was Chris' Metal Stamping Workshop where I learned a ton!
If you are ever in or near the St. Louis area, you should definitely stop by this store!
Even if you don't live in St. Louis, you can shop Red Lead 24/7 at their website by clicking here.
I enjoy following their creative blog here, too!
Thank you Chris and Sharon for owning such a unique and inspiring store!
Hope everyone has a great beginning to their week!
Mary